Differentiation of Human Mesenchymal Stem Cells into Corneal Epithelial Cells: Current Progress

Setiawan, Abdul Malik ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6913-2007 and Kamarudin, Taty Anna ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9599-2353 (2924) Differentiation of Human Mesenchymal Stem Cells into Corneal Epithelial Cells: Current Progress. Current Issues in Molecular Biology, 46 (12). ISSN 1467-3045

Text Setiawan, 2024. MSC differentiation to corneal epithelial cells.pdf Download (1MB)

Abstract

The limited availability of corneal tissue grafts poses significant challenges in the treatment of corneal blindness. Novel treatment utilizes stem cell grafts transplanted from the healthy side of the cornea to the damaged side. However, this procedure is only possible for those who have one-sided corneal blindness. Human stem cells offer promising potential for corneal tissue engineering, providing an alternative solution. Among the different types of stem cells, mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) stand out due to their abundance and ease of isolation. Human MSCs can be derived from bone marrow, adipose, and umbilical cord tissues. Differentiating MSC toward corneal tissue can be achieved through several methods including chemical induction and co-culture with adult corneal cells such as human limbal epithelial stem cells (LESCs) and human corneal epithelial cells (hTCEpi). Adipose-derived stem cells (ADSCs) are the most common type of MSC that has been studied for corneal differentiation. Corneal epithelial cells are the most common corneal cell type targeted by researchers for corneal differentiation. Chemical induction with small molecules, especially bone morphogenetic protein 4 (BMP4), all-trans retinoic acid (ATRA), and epidermal growth factor (EGF), has gained more popularity in corneal epithelial cell differentiation. This review highlights the current progress in utilizing MSCs for corneal differentiation studies, showcasing their potential to revolutionize treatments for corneal blindness.

Item Type:	Journal Article
Keywords:	mesenchymal stem cell, differentiation, co-culture, BMP4, retinoic acid, hTCEpi
Subjects:	06 BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES > 0601 Biochemistry and Cell Biology > 060103 Cell Development, Proliferation and Death 06 BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES > 0601 Biochemistry and Cell Biology > 060111 Signal Transduction
Divisions:	Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences > Department of Medical Education
Depositing User:	dr. Abdul Malik Setiawan
Date Deposited:	27 Jan 2026 08:58

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